U.S. patent number 7,325,696 [Application Number 10/975,513] was granted by the patent office on 2008-02-05 for multiple part adjustable automotive clothes rod assembly.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Custom Accessories, Inc.. Invention is credited to Vincent Alesi, Norman L. Matthew.
United States Patent |
7,325,696 |
Matthew , et al. |
February 5, 2008 |
Multiple part adjustable automotive clothes rod assembly
Abstract
An adjustable automotive clothes rod assembly having multiple
telescoping clothes rod segments that may be securely attached to
one another through a T-shaped male member having a pair of wings
and a keyhole-shaped female member having a pair of channels for
accepting the wings of the male member. Each of the clothing rod
segments comprises an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that is
sized to permit it to move in telescopic relation to the outer
sleeve. The end of the inner sleeve includes a retaining end member
for attaching the clothes rod assembly to the inside of a vehicle.
In a preferred embodiment, the retaining end member includes both a
loop and a hook for attaching to a hook or a handle of a vehicle,
respectively. The inner sleeve also preferably may be selectively
secured within the outer sleeve to maintain the clothes rod
assembly in either extended or retracted position.
Inventors: |
Matthew; Norman L. (Highland
Park, IL), Alesi; Vincent (Bartlett, IL) |
Assignee: |
Custom Accessories, Inc.
(Niles, IL)
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Family
ID: |
34556089 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/975,513 |
Filed: |
October 28, 2004 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20050092795 A1 |
May 5, 2005 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60516092 |
Oct 29, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
211/105.3;
211/204; 211/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60R
7/10 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47H
1/08 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;211/105.1-105.6,123,204,206 ;D8/376,377 ;248/214 ;16/87.4R
;403/348,349,109.1,305,377
;285/377,302,314,358,359,394,401,362,7 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Novosad; Jennifer E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Patzik, Frank & Samotny
Ltd.
Parent Case Text
This application claims priority based upon U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/516,092, filed Oct. 29, 2003.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A multiple part adjustable clothes rod assembly for a vehicle
comprising: a first clothes rod segment comprising: a first outer
sleeve; a first inner sleeve movably received within the first
outer sleeve for adjusting the length of the clothes rod assembly;
means to attach the first clothes rod segment to the vehicle; a
second clothes rod segment comprising: a second outer sleeve; a
second inner sleeve movably received within the second outer sleeve
for adjusting the length of the clothes rod assembly; and means to
attach the second clothes rod segment to the vehicle; and means to
removably attach the second clothes rod segment to the first
clothes rod segment, the means to removably attach including a male
member on the end of the first clothes rod segment and a female
member on the end of the second clothes rod segment, wherein the
male member may be selectively inserted into the female member and
twisted to be locked in place in a bayonet-type connection, wherein
the male member comprises a base having a first diameter and an end
member having a pair of wings and a second diameter that is larger
than the first diameter, and wherein the female member comprises a
central bore having a pair of channels for receiving the wings of
the end member.
2. The clothes rod assembly of claim 1 wherein the means to attach
the first clothes rod segment to the vehicle and the means to
attach the second clothes rod segment to the vehicle each comprise
a retaining end member.
3. The clothes rod assembly of claim 2 wherein the retaining end
member comprises a hook and a loop for attaching to a vehicle.
4. The clothes rod assembly of claim 1 wherein the female member
further comprises a pair of axially extending members for limiting
the rotation of the end member.
5. The clothes rod assembly of claim 1 wherein the end member is
substantially T-shaped.
6. The clothes rod assembly of claim 1 which further comprises
means to selectively secure each of the first and second inner
sleeves in position relative to the respective first and second
outer sleeves.
7. The clothes rod assembly of claim 6 wherein the means to
selectively secure each of the first and second inner sleeves
comprises a locking nut.
8. The clothes rod assembly of claim 6 wherein the means to
selectively secure each of the first and second inner sleeves
comprises an outwardly biased button on each of the first and
second inner sleeve and a plurality of holes on the respective
first and second outer sleeve for receiving the button.
9. The clothes rod assembly of claim 6 wherein each of the first
and second inner sleeves comprises an outer surface having camming
ramps and the means to selectively secure each of the first and
second inner sleeves comprises a cam sleeve that is fixed about the
inner sleeve, wherein the cam sleeve comprises camming ramps that
slide within the camming ramps of the inner sleeve to selectively
push the cam sleeve into engagement with the respective outer
sleeve to prevent axial movement of the inner sleeve relative to
the outer sleeve.
10. The clothes rod assembly of claim 9 wherein the each of the
first and second inner sleeves comprises an outer surface having
camming ramps and the means to selectively secure each of the inner
sleeves comprises a cam sleeve that is fixed about the inner
sleeve, wherein the cam sleeve comprises camming ramps that slide
within the camming ramps of the inner sleeve to selectively push
the cam sleeve into engagement with the respective outer sleeve to
prevent axial movement of the inner sleeve relative to the outer
sleeve.
11. An adjustable clothes rod assembly for a vehicle comprising: a
first clothes rod segment comprising: a first sleeve assembly
comprising a first outer sleeve and a first inner sleeve movably
received within the first outer sleeve; and a first end member
having a hook and a loop for attaching the clothes rod assembly to
the vehicle; a second clothes rod segment comprising: a second
sleeve assembly comprising a second outer sleeve and a second inner
sleeve movably received within the second outer sleeve; and a
second end member having a hook and a loop for attaching the
clothes rod assembly to the vehicle; and means to removably attach
the second clothes rod segment to the first clothes rod segment,
the means to removably attach including a male member on the end of
the first clothes rod segment and a female member on the end of the
second clothes rod segment, wherein the male member may be
selectively inserted into the female member and twisted to be
locked in place in a bayonet-type connection, wherein the male
member comprises a base having a first diameter and an end member
having a pair of wings and a second diameter that is larger than
the first diameter, and wherein the female member comprises a
central bore having a pair of channels for receiving the wings of
the end member.
12. The clothes rod assembly of claim 11 wherein the female member
further comprises a pair of axially extending members for limiting
the rotation of the end member.
13. The clothes rod assembly of claim 11 wherein the end member is
substantially T-shaped.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to clothes rod assemblies in general and,
more particularly, to a length-adjustable multi-segment clothes rod
assembly that can be disassembled into two or more part to
facilitate storage and minimize retail display space.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vehicles today typically include handles or hooks that are located
above the rear side windows of the vehicles. While these hooks and
handles may be used to hang garments on hangers during travel, the
handles and hooks only permit a limited number of articles of
clothing to be hung thereupon. Furthermore, clothes that are hung
on hangers on the handles or hooks may accidentally get damaged
and/or dropped onto the floor or ground upon opening and/or
shutting the vehicle door.
It is known to have an automotive clothes rod that may be
telescopically adjusted to extend across the backseat of the
vehicle because the distance between the opposite ends of the
backseat varies with the size and/or model of the vehicle. The
known clothes rods generally comprise a long outer tube having a
single inner tube or rod that may telescopically be extended to
adjust the length of the clothes rods to allow the clothes rods to
be attached to the inside of the vehicle above the door
openings.
While the known automotive clothes rods may work in many
situations, problems have arisen during their use. In particular,
because the known clothes rods are comprised of only one
telescoping rod segment, the conventional clothes rod in its
packaging is somewhat long. Accordingly, the packages for the
conventional clothes rods take up more linear shelf space then is
necessary and can be inconvenient for the consumer to carry or
store. Such clothes rods also are not adapted for attaching to both
hooks and handles on vehicles above the backseat doors or
windows.
Therefore, there is a need to produce a length-adjustable
multi-segment clothes rod assembly that may be disassembled into at
least two parts to facilitate storage of the assembly and minimize
the amount of retail shelf space needed to display it in a package
for sales. Furthermore, there is a need to produce a
length-adjustable multi-segment clothes rod assembly that also
permits the clothes rod assembly to be used with a variety of
different vehicles, while being economical and easy to manufacture
and install.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an improvement over the prior clothes rods
in that the way that the clothes rod assembly may be disassembled
for storage, the size of the package needed for retail display of
the clothes rod assembly, and the way that the clothes rod assembly
may be used in a wide variety of vehicles, are unique and comprise
improvements over the prior art. In particular, the adjustable
clothes rod assembly of the present invention includes a pair of
clothes rod segments that may be securely attached to one another
through corresponding male and female bayonet-fit connecting
members on the ends of the clothes rod segments, or other known
means such as, but not limited to, threaded collars, snap-fit
connectors and/or screw-together threaded ends. Each of the
clothing rod segments comprises an outer sleeve or tube and an
inner sleeve or tube that are sized to permit the inner sleeve to
move in telescopic relation to the outer sleeve. The end of the
inner sleeve includes a retaining end member for attaching the
assembled clothes rod to the inside of a vehicle. In a preferred
embodiment, the retaining end member includes both a loop and a
hook for respectively attaching to a hook or a handle of a vehicle
depending on which type is provided in that particular vehicle.
Accordingly, the clothes rod assembly of the present invention may
be used in any one of a plurality of different vehicles.
The inner sleeve also preferably may be selectively secured within
the outer sleeve to maintain the clothes rod assembly in either
telescoping or retracted position. The inner sleeve may be secured
in relation to the outer sleeve so as to lock the sleeves relative
to each other with respect to the longitudinal motion of one sleeve
relative to the other sleeve in any of a variety of ways including,
but not limited to, through the use of locking nuts; radially
spring-loaded buttons and corresponding holes; or by twisting the
inner sleeve.
In the latter example, the clothes rod assembly may comprise a cam
sleeve that slips over the inner sleeve. In a first position, the
cam sleeve does not engage the outer sleeve, whereby the inner
sleeve may be slid inwardly or outwardly within the outer sleeve in
a longitudinal direction to adjust the length of the clothes rod
assembly. Rotation of the inner sleeve moves camming ramps located
on the outside of the inner sleeve along corresponding camming
ramps located on the inside of the cam sleeve, thereby pushing the
cam sleeve into frictional engagement with the outer sleeve so as
to prevent longitudinal motion of the sleeves, and therefore
extension or retraction of the assembly. Rotation of the inner
sleeve in the opposite direction disengages the cam sleeve from
frictional engagement with the outer sleeve and permits the inner
sleeve to slide within the outer sleeve in the longitudinal
direction so as to permit extension or retraction of the
assembly.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new
and improved adjustable clothes rod assembly that is adjustable in
the longitudinal or axial direction for carrying clothes within a
variety of vehicle types and sizes.
A further object of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable clothes rod assembly that may be disassembled into
multiple segments for storage and/or display in packaged form in a
reduced amount of storage or shelf space.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable
clothes rod assembly that may be securely maintained in place in
either an extended or retracted position.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an
adjustable clothes rod assembly that permits the assembly to be
used in a variety of different vehicles having different interior
designs.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed disclosure, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying sheets of drawings, wherein like
reference numerals refer to like parts.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevated view of one embodiment of the present
invention showing two clothing rod segments secured together.
FIG. 2 is a front elevated view of the embodiment of the present
invention shown in FIG. 1 showing two clothing rod segments
separated from one another.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and
showing camming ramps of a cam sleeve and the inner sleeve of the
first clothes rod segment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the end of one of the two clothing
rod segments illustrating a hook and loop for attaching to a
vehicle.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the male and female inserts of the
two clothing rod segments that permit the two clothing rod segments
to be connected together.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the male and female inserts
operatively connected together.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the
present invention illustrating the two clothing rod segments being
connected together using a button and corresponding hole.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present
invention showing the two clothing rod segments being connected
together using a locking or threaded collar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different
forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described
in detail several specific embodiments, with the understanding that
the present disclosure is to be considered merely an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and the
application is limited only to the appended claims.
Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2,
there is shown a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The
clothes rod assembly of the present invention, generally designated
by the number 10, is shown as having a first clothes rod segment 12
matingly connectable to a second clothes rod segment 14. Each of
the clothes rod segments comprises an outer sleeve 16,17; an inner
sleeve 18,19 that telescopically slips into and moves within the
outer sleeve; a first or retaining end member 20,21 for attaching
the clothes rod assembly to the vehicle; and a second end member
22,23 for connecting the first and second clothes rod segments
12,14 together.
Each of the outer sleeves 16,17 is preferably tubular and comprises
an axial bore portion having a bore diameter. An additional sleeve,
surface or coating 15 may be placed over part or all of the outer
sleeves to provide a surface to inhibit movement of the hangers on
the clothes rod assembly during use. Coating 15 can be textured to
prevent undesired movement of the hangers. It is appreciated that
the coating 15 may be a resilient rubber-like material and may be
offered in a variety of colors to match or complement the color of
the automotive interior in which it will be used.
The inner sleeve is preferably tubular having an inner diameter,
and an outer diameter that is slightly smaller than the bore
diameter of the outer sleeve to permit the inner sleeve 18,19 to
slip into and move within the respective outer sleeve 16,17. Each
of the inner sleeves 18,19 may be telescoped with respect to each
other to adjust the overall length of the clothes rod assembly 10
by extending or retracting the inner sleeve 18,19. In particular,
the length of each of the clothes rod segments 12,14, and therefore
the clothes rod assembly 10, may be adjusted by selectively moving
either or both of the inner sleeves 18,19 within their respective
outer sleeves 16,17. Once the clothes rod segments 12,14 have been
adjusted to the desired length, the inner sleeves 18,19 are
preferably locked in place relative to the outer sleeve 16,17 by a
retaining mechanism.
It is appreciated that the retaining mechanism may comprise any of
the known mechanisms or means to selectively retain the inner
sleeve in place relative to the outer sleeve. Preferably, each of
the inner sleeves 18,19 may be selectively locked in place through
the rotation of each of the sleeves 16 and 17 respectively.
Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a retaining mechanism is
shown comprising a cam sleeve 40 and camming ramps 42,44. A cam
sleeve 40 is preferably slipped over and fixed about each of the
inner sleeves 18,19 such that they may selectively frictionally
abut the inner walls of the outer sleeves 16 and 17 respectively.
In a normal unlocked position, each inner sleeve 18,19 is permitted
to travel within the respective axial bore of the outer sleeve
16,17. The inside of the cam sleeve 40 includes camming ramps 42
which are sized to be in sliding engagement with corresponding
camming ramps 44 on the outside of the inner sleeve 18,19. As the
inner sleeve 18,19 is turned, the camming ramps 42 will slide
within the corresponding camming ramps 44 to push the cam sleeve 40
outward and into frictional engagement with the inside of the
respective outer sleeve 16,17 so as to lock the inner sleeve 18,19
relative to the outer sleeve 16,17. Rotation of the inner sleeve
18,19 in the opposite direction (e.g., counter-clockwise) acts to
disengage the cam sleeve 40 from frictional engagement with the
outer sleeve 16,17 and permits the inner sleeve 18,19 to move
axially within the respective outer sleeve 16,17 and thereby extend
or retract longitudinally.
It is also appreciated that the sleeves may be locked relative to
one another through a locking nut; a spring-loaded button attached
to the inner sleeve for protrusion through one of a plurality of
holes on the outer sleeve; a threaded collar engaging and
tightening about a threaded end of the outer sleeve so as to
tighten around and retain the inner sleeve; a snap or press-fit
connection; or any other known means. The inner and outer sleeves
may also comprise a substantially oblong cross-section, wherein the
inner sleeve may be rotated to engage the inside of the outer
sleeve to lock the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve.
Furthermore, it is appreciated that the clothes rod segments may
not comprise a retaining means.
Referring now to FIG. 4, each of the first end members 20,21,
preferably comprises a base 50, a hook 52 on one end of the base 50
and a loop 54 pivotally attached to the other end of the base 50.
The loop 54 is designed such that it may be placed over a hook on a
vehicle to secure the clothes rod assembly in place. The base 50
may also have a semi-circular slot 56 for receiving the loop 54
when the loop 54 is not in use. The hook 52 preferably comprises an
arm 58 that extends outward from the base 50 and a retaining member
60 that extends downward from the arm 50 when in use. In operation,
the hook 52 is placed over the handle or loop of the vehicle such
that the handle contacts the arm 58. Once the hook 52 is placed
over the handle, the retaining member 60 will act to prevent the
hook 52 from being disengaged from the handle. While a hook having
an arm and a retaining member is shown and disclosed, it is
appreciated that the hook may be of a variety of sizes and shapes
including, but not limited to, semi-circular and not depart from
the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, while the
retaining end members are shown and disclosed as having one hook
and one loop, it is appreciated that the retaining end members may
comprise two or more loops and/or two or more hooks and not depart
from the scope of the present invention.
It is also appreciated that the first retaining end members 20,21
may be removably secured to the inner sleeves 18,19 in a known way,
including through a press or snap fit; gluing; a screw or other
fastener; a button and a hole; a pin; and the like, wherein the
retaining end members may be removed and replaced depending on the
type of structures located in the interior of a vehicle. While the
retaining end members are shown and disclosed as being attached to
or associated with the inner sleeves, it is appreciated that they
may be attached to or associated with the outer sleeve and not
depart from the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, one embodiment of the second end
members 22,23 is shown for removably, yet securely, attaching the
first and second clothes rod segments 12,14 together. The second
end member 22 of the first clothes rod segment 12 comprises a
female keyhole-shaped connecting member 70 having a hollow central
bore and a pair of adjoining channel portions 72 that extend
axially around the periphery of the bore at or near the end of the
outer sleeve 16 to define a hole 74. The channel portions are
preferably sized and located such that they communicate with the
bore and provide two channels or slots 76 that extend beyond the
periphery of the bore. While two channel portions are used to
create two channels or slots 76, it is appreciated that any number
of channel portions may be used to create any number of channels or
slots about the central bore and not depart from the scope of the
present invention.
The second end member 23 of the second clothes rod segment 14
preferably comprises a key-shaped male connecting member 80 having
a base 82 and an end portion 84 with wings 88A and 88B attached
thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the outer sleeve 17 comprises
a connecting member 24 that is attached to the end of the outer
sleeve 17 to define a connecting region for matingly connecting the
male and female connecting members 70,80 together. The connecting
member 24 preferably is sized such that its inner diameter is
larger than the outer diameter of the outer sleeve 16 of the first
clothes rod segment 12 to permit the second end member 22 of the
first clothes rod segment 12 to be inserted into the connecting
member 24 for attaching to the male connecting member 80. It is
appreciated that the connecting member may be integral with the
outer sleeve or a separate member that may be attached to the end
of the outer sleeve in a known way including, but not limited to:
through a threaded fastener that is tightened or loosened with a
twisting motion; a threaded collar that connects the threaded
adjoining outer ends of the outer sleeve and connecting member;
spring-loaded axially extending buttons attached to the outer
sleeve that are biased to extend through one or more holes in the
connecting member; and the like. While the connecting member 24 is
shown and disclosed as being attached to the outer sleeve 17 of the
second clothes rod segment 14, it is appreciated that it may be
attached to the inner sleeve and/or the first clothes rod segment
12 and not depart from the scope of the present invention.
The base 82 of the male connecting member 80 is sized such that it
may pass within the hole 74 created by the two channel portions 72
of the female connecting member 70. The end portion 84 preferably
extends across the base 82 such that its length is greater than the
length of the hole 74 within the channel portions 72 but less than
the diameter of the axial bore.
It is appreciated that the channel portions 72 may also include an
axially extending member 86 for limiting the rotational movement of
the male connecting member 80 relative to the female connecting
member 70. The axially extending members are preferably located
adjacent to one side of the channels or slots 76 to facilitate the
mating and unmating of the male and female connecting members.
Wings 88A and 88B are configured so as to enable passage of the end
portion 84 of the male key-shaped member 80 through the
corresponding channels 76.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the male and female connecting members
70,80 preferably comprise inserts that are selectively received
within the ends of the outer sleeves 16,17 in a secure fashion.
This can be accomplished by an interference or friction fit between
the inserts and the interior walls of the segment ends. In the
preferred embodiment, the male and female connecting members are
sized such that they may be press or snap fit into the ends of the
outer sleeves. Alternatively, the inserts can be held in place by
gluing, screws, fasteners, threaded engagement or the like. The
female connecting member 70 preferably comprises a cylindrical wall
portion 90 that has a diameter that is slightly smaller than the
inner diameter of the outer sleeve 16. A lip 92 at the end of the
cylindrical wall portion 90 is preferably sized such that it
extends over at least part of the outer sleeve 16, wherein when the
female connecting member 70 is inserted into the outer sleeve 16,
longitudinal movement of the female connecting member 70 into the
outer sleeve 16 will be stopped when the lip 92 abuts with the
outer sleeve 16.
The male connecting member 80 preferably comprises a cylindrical
wall portion 94 that is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of
the outer sleeve 17. A lip 96 preferably extends about the
cylindrical wall portion 94 such that it extends over at least part
of the outer sleeve 17, wherein when the male connecting member 80
is inserted into the outer sleeve 17, the longitudinal movement of
the male connecting member 80 into the outer sleeve 17 will be
stopped when the lip 96 abuts the outer sleeve 17. In the preferred
embodiment, the male connecting member 80 is recessed within the
connecting member 24 such that the connection between the male
connecting member 80 and the female connecting member 70 occurs
within the connecting region of the connecting member 24.
In operation, the male connecting member 80 is positioned such that
the wings 88A and 88B of the ends 88 of the end portion 84 are
aligned with the pair of channels 76 formed between the two channel
portions 72 of the female connecting member 70. The male connecting
member 80 is then inserted into the female connecting member 70
until the end portion 84 extends past the channel portions 72. The
outer sleeve 16,17 of the first or second clothes rod segments
12,14 may thereafter be twisted or rotated until the wings 88A and
88B of the ends 88 of the end portion 84 are located beneath the
channel portions 72, thereby selectively securing the two clothes
rod segments 12,14 together. The male or female connecting member
70,80 may only be rotated until the ends 88A, 88B of the end
portion 84 abut against or contact the axially extending members 86
so as to provide a bayonet-type connection that is not prone to
undesired detachment when in use. When reversing the direction of
rotation to unlock the clothes rod segment 12,14, rotation of the
male connecting member 80 relative to the female connecting member
70 will be stopped when the wings 88A and 88B of the ends 88 of the
end portion 84 are aligned with the channels or slots 76, thereby
allowing the end portion 84 to be easily withdrawn in an axial
direction from the female connecting member 70. In a preferred
embodiment, the length of the base 82 to the bottom of the wings
88A and 88B is substantially equal to the depth of the channel
portions 72 to inhibit any excess play or axial movement of the
clothes rod segments 12,14 when attached.
While the female and male connecting members are shown and
disclosed as being attached to or associated with the outer
sleeves, it is appreciated that they may be attached to or
associated with the inner sleeves and not depart from the scope of
the present invention.
While a male and female connecting member are shown and disclosed,
it is appreciated that the two clothes rod segments may be
connected together in any known means. For example, referring to
FIG. 7, the clothes rod segments 12,14 may be attached together
using a spring-loaded axially extending button or buttons 100
attached to one of the outer sleeves 16,17. The diameter of the
outer sleeve having the button is preferably less than the inner
diameter of the other outer sleeve or the connecting member 24 so
that the outer sleeve having the button 100 may be inserted into
the other outer sleeve or connecting member until the button 100
aligns with a corresponding hole 102 and is biased outward into the
hole 102 to selectively lock the two clothes rod segments 12,14
together. Pressing the button 100 and pulling the two clothes rod
segments apart in an axial direction allows the two clothes rod
segments to be dissembled for storage. Referring now to FIG. 8, one
end of a threaded fastener or collar 110 may be attached to one of
the inner ends of the outer sleeves 16,17. The inner end of the
other outer sleeve 16,17, which includes corresponding threads, may
then be inserted into the other end of the threaded collar, and
tightened or loosened with a twisting motion of the threaded collar
110 or outer sleeve 16,17. It is further appreciated that other
known fastening means, including, but not limited to: screws and
nut arrangements; cotter pins; snap or press-fit connections; and
the like, may also be used and not depart from the scope of the
present invention.
Because the clothes rod assembly may be disassembled into separate
parts, the amount of space needed to store or display the clothes
rod is significantly reduced, thereby making the product more
appealing to distributors, merchants and consumers. Furthermore,
while a pair of clothes rod segments are shown and disclosed, it is
appreciated that the clothes rod assembly may comprise more than
two clothes rod segments and not depart from the scope of the
present invention.
It is further appreciated that the above-identified invention is
applicable to any portable storage bars or rods including, but not
limited to, shower curtain rods or closet bars.
It will be understood that modifications and variations may be
effected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of
the present invention, but it is understood that this application
is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *